The Israeli RBY MK 1 & RAM 4×4 Family

The Israeli RBY MK 1

In the early 1970’s the RAMTA Division of Israel Aircraft Industries developed a new light 4×4 reconnaissance vehicle for the Israeli Defence Force and export market called RBY MK 1. It focused on remaining light but offering a high level of protection against land mines by the vehicles lay out.

The wheels and axles were placed as far forward and backward as possible to maximize the distance of any detonation away from the fighting compartment, the bumpers were made of fibreglass so they would disintegrate in an explosion and minimize hazardous debris, and the thickest armour was incorporated into the floor, which was shaped to channel explosions away from the vehicle, with the engine compartment in the rear reducing the vehicles overall height.

The RAM

The Israeli RAM

In 1979 RAMTA swapped production from the RBY MK 1 to the improved RAM. The improvements included the replacement of the original petrol with a new diesel (increasing operational range) new tyres (which increased ground clearance) and an automatic transmission.

The RAM was built in two versions, RAM V-1 had an open top to the fighting compartment and RAM V-2 had a roof.

Other than reconnaissance, the vehicle grew into a family of variants: